Written Directions

Take Rt 286 off RT 95 in Salisbury, MA to the "Beaches". Left onto 1A and follow 1A north all the way into Portsmouth, NH.

Scenery

Starting at MA state line, 50% of this ride is directly on the waterfront. Nothing between you and the crashing waves! A classic northeastern coastal run.

Road Quality

After the first couple of miles of cottages and the Beach in Hampton, the road twists most of the way to Portsmouth. Smooth surface, my favorite road in all of New England!

Roadside Amenities

It's a short road, with areas to stop view the ocean and Isle of Shoals. Seasonal places to eat. Everything you could need or want year round is within 15 mins inland of the road. At the far end is Portsmouth one of the best restaurant towns in New England. Overall, this is a very motorcycle friendly area. High concentration of resident bike owners ... a great place to ride!

A nice relaxing ride, I take this ride almost every time I can. I usually stop at one of the pull offs south of Odiorne Point to stretch my legs and watch the water. When I get up into Rye, I usually pull off of 1A and travel up 1B into Newcastle, stopping at Fort Constitution for another little walk around.

The temperature on the coast is typically cooler as well, making it for a more comfortable ride in the hot days of the summer.

Be sure to follow the speed limit and watch for heavy pedestrian traffic, as there are a lot of police patrolling around Hampton and Rye. The higher population of motorcycle riders in the area does make the roads more bike friendly, but the police are typically less friendly, especially on the Hampton Beach strip. Also, be on the lookout for people who like to pull stunts on their bikes - these people aren't usually paying attention to the vehicles around them and I've had a few close calls on both my bike and in my car.

By Gueston December 29, 20090 out of 0 members found this review useful.

4.5out of 5

Motorcycle Year 1985

Motorcycle Make Harley-Davidson

Motorcycle Type Cruiser

I have always Loved the coastal ride...I suggest you make a day of it and ride into Maine....follow it up to the Bush's compound up in Kennebunk and finish with dinner at Bentleys Saloon in Arundel...this is a biker friendly establishment....so many shops and places to stop on the way.

By Gueston September 10, 20090 out of 0 members found this review useful.

4.5out of 5

Motorcycle Year 2009

Motorcycle Make Harley-Davidson

Motorcycle Type Cruiser

This was a spectacular ride. Plenty of spots to pull over to get that amazing shot by the ocean. I did this run on Sept 3rd and am glad I was wearing fleece underneathe my leather. When you hit the town (south), be sure to stop at walkways when you see people even just getting close to a walkway- as there are a ton of police around and itching to remind you of this. And also be aware of the helmet laws as you near the MA border when you head further south.

Great ride do it all summer long 1 suggestion is when you come to 1B take it you have two state parks there and the views are great. Also when you get to the end go across the bridge into Maine follow 103 to a little place called Chauncey Lobster Place for the best lobster along the coast its a BYOB place you'll love it